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- Microgynon 30
| Category | Details |
| Type of Medicine | Combined oral contraceptive tablet |
| Health Conditions Treated | Contraception |
| Active Ingredients | 0.030 mg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg drospirenone |
| Brand Names | Microgynon |
| Available Strengths | One Strength |
| Available As | Microgynon |
| Possible Side Effects | headaches, mood swings, nausea, breast tenderness |
| Manufacturers | Bayer |
What is Microgynon 30?
Microgynon 30 is a combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) used to prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones — ethinylestradiol (oestrogen) and levonorgestrel (progestogen) — which work together to provide effective contraception when taken correctly.
Taken once daily at the same time each day, Microgynon helps prevent ovulation and reduces the chance of pregnancy. Many people also find their periods become more regular, lighter, and less painful while taking it.
What is Microgynon 30 Used For?
Contraception: Preventing pregnancy when taken correctly
Cycle control: Helping regulate menstrual cycles
Lighter, less painful periods: Many users experience reduced bleeding and cramping
Microgynon does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — condoms are still recommended for STI protection.
How Does Microgynon 30 Work?
Microgynon prevents pregnancy in three ways:
Stops ovulation — the ovaries do not release an egg
Thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg
Thins the lining of the womb, reducing the chance of implantation
When taken correctly, it is over 99% effective.
When Should I Use Microgynon 30?
Microgynon is suitable if you want a reliable, daily contraceptive pill and are medically eligible to take combined hormonal contraception.
It is a commonly used, well-established option and may be suitable if you have previously taken combined pills without problems.
A clinician will review your medical history to confirm it’s appropriate for you.
Who Can Use Microgynon 30?
Adult women (18+) who are medically eligible for combined oral contraception
Non-smokers, or smokers under 35 years old
Those without conditions that make combined pills unsafe
Who Should Not Use Microgynon 30?
You should not take Microgynon if you:
Have ever had a blood clot (DVT or pulmonary embolism)
Have migraine with aura
Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
Have a history of breast cancer, severe liver disease, or unexplained vaginal bleeding
Smoke and are aged 35 or over
Are allergic to ethinylestradiol, levonorgestrel, or any other ingredients
Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) and complete the clinical assessment fully before starting.
Can I Get Microgynon 30 Without a Prescription?
No. Microgynon 30 is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
It can be prescribed through a UK-registered online pharmacy after a clinician confirms it is suitable for you.
Alternative Contraceptive Options
Other combined oral contraceptive pills
Progestogen-only pill (POP)
Contraceptive patch or vaginal ring
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) such as coils or implants
A clinician can help you choose the option that best suits your health and lifestyle.
How to Take Microgynon 30:
Take one tablet daily, at the same time each day
Take tablets for 21 consecutive days
Follow with a 7-day pill-free break (you’ll usually have a withdrawal bleed)
Start the next pack after 7 days, even if bleeding hasn’t stopped
If you miss a pill, follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet carefully. Missing pills can reduce effectiveness.
If you’re unsure what to do, speak to your pharmacist or GP, or call NHS 111 for advice.
Active ingredients:
Ethinylestradiol 30 micrograms
Levonorgestrel 150 micrograms
Other ingredients (excipients):
May include lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, and tablet coating agents.
Microgynon contains lactose.
Always check the patient information leaflet (PIL) for the full ingredient list, especially if you have allergies or lactose intolerance.
Common side effects:
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Headaches
Mood changes
Mild bloating
Spotting or breakthrough bleeding (especially in the first few months)
Less common:
Raised blood pressure
Changes in libido
Skin changes
Serious but rare:
Blood clots
Seek urgent medical help (999 / A&E) if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, leg swelling, sudden vision problems, or a severe headache
Contact your GP if side effects are persistent or concerning
Call NHS 111 if you’re unsure whether symptoms are related to the pill
Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) for full safety and side-effect information.
What is Microgynon 30 used for?
Microgynon 30 is used to prevent pregnancy. When taken correctly, it is a highly effective form of contraception. Some people also notice improvements in period regularity, bleeding, and period pain. It does not protect against STIs.
How does Microgynon 30 prevent pregnancy?
It works in three ways:
Stops ovulation (release of an egg)
Thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg
Thins the lining of the womb, reducing the chance of implantation
Taking it at the same time every day helps keep it effective.How effective is Microgynon 30?
When taken correctly, Microgynon is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Missing pills or taking them late reduces its effectiveness, which is why following the patient information leaflet (PIL) is important.
How do I take Microgynon 30?
Take one tablet daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day pill-free break. You’ll usually have a withdrawal bleed during the break. Start the next pack after 7 days, even if bleeding hasn’t stopped.
What should I do if I miss a pill?
What to do depends on how many pills you’ve missed and when. Missing pills can increase the risk of pregnancy. Always check the patient information leaflet for missed-pill advice or speak to your pharmacist, GP, or call NHS 111 if you’re unsure.
Will Microgynon affect my periods?
Many people find their periods become lighter, shorter, and more regular. Spotting or breakthrough bleeding can happen in the first few months and usually settles. If bleeding is heavy or ongoing, speak to your GP.
What side effects might I experience?
Some people experience nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, mood changes, or mild bloating when starting the pill. These often improve within a few months. If side effects are severe or persistent, contact your GP.
Is Microgynon 30 suitable for everyone?
No. You shouldn’t take Microgynon if you’ve had blood clots, certain types of migraine (with aura), uncontrolled high blood pressure, or if you smoke and are aged 35 or over. A clinician will check your medical history before prescribing. Always read the PIL for full safety information.
When should I seek urgent medical help?
Stop taking Microgynon and seek urgent medical help (999 or A&E) if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling or pain in one leg, sudden vision problems, or a severe headache. These could be signs of a blood clot. If you’re unsure, call NHS 111 for advice.
Does Microgynon protect against STIs?
No. Microgynon does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms are recommended if STI protection is needed.
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